Abstract
Objectives. Based on methods introduced in the late 1960s and no longer used, serum
testosterone level in men after surgical castration was reported to be 50 ng/dL or
less. Radioimmunoassay and, subsequently, chemiluminescent methods have supplanted
the early analytic methods because of their improved accuracy and ease of testing.
The purpose of this study was to define the castrate testosterone level in the era
of chemiluminescent testing.
Methods. After bilateral orchiectomy, serum testosterone (total) levels were measured
prospectively in 35 prostate cancer patients.
Results. The median testosterone value in this patient cohort was 15 ng/dL (0.5 nmol/L;
95% confidence interval 12 to 17 ng/dL).
Conclusions. In a contemporary series, castrate testosterone should be defined as
less than 20 ng/dL (0.7 nmol/L). The important biologic and economic implications
are discussed.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 18,
2000
Received in revised form:
July 18,
2000
Received:
May 25,
2000
Identification
Copyright
© 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
